Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Children: Audiological Considerations

This chapter describes all elements of preoperative candidacy pertaining to pediatric cochlear implantation including FDA labeling, common clinical practices, audiologic evaluation, speech/language assessment, and preoperative variables predictive of postoperative success. Also included is a discussion regarding the expansion of pediatric indications for implant candidacy including implanting children under 12 months of age, asymmetric hearing losses, less severe degrees of hearing loss, and children not making expected progress in speech, language, and auditory skills development. As part of outlining the candidacy process, detailed information is provided regarding age-appropriate assessment tools and practices.